Change is not an option – it’s a necessity if we are to continue to thrive as an industry

29 April, 2015

The rate of technological change across the whole of the UK engineering sector, let alone fluid power, is phenomenal and it is increasing exponentially. One such area is in the convergence of hydraulic, pneumatic, compressed air and electromechanical drive technology. More and more end-users and OEMs are requesting ‘solution sales’ without specifying the means of delivery or the technology adopted to meet the requirement. That is why last month saw BFPA and BCAS launch the UK Motion Control Alliance or UK MCA. The all-encompassing technology is one of ‘Motion Control’ whether it be through hydraulics, pneumatics, mechatronics or indeed, as is more and more the case - a combination of all of them. As the UK MCA matures it will seek to attract new member associations from all walks of the Motion Control arena – just as have our European colleagues. The benefits to all member companies and end-users, from which ever technology stable they emanate, will be significant.

Pushing forward

There will always be a reason for not doing something new but the future belongs to those who are able to adapt and change on what has become an exciting, if sometimes, disconcerting roller-coaster ride. One of the worlds’ greatest innovators, Steve Jobs of the Apple Corporation, stated the need to embrace change very clearly. He said: “Here's to the crazy ones. The misfits. The rebels. The troublemakers. The round pegs in the square holes. The ones who see things differently. They're not fond of rules and they have no respect for the status quo. You can quote them, disagree with them, glorify or vilify them. About the only thing you can't do is ignore them. Because they change things. They push the human race forward. And while some may see them as the crazy ones, we see genius. Because the people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world; are the ones who do…”